The Sydney Roosters are bracing for a Wests Tigers side desperate to atone for one of the NRL club’s worst days with victory at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday night.
On the back of their 64-6 thumping at the hands of North Queensland in Townsville last week, the Tigers retreat to their spiritual home keen to salvage something from the back end of their season amid continued speculation over the future of coach Mick Potter.
The game is a vital one for the fourth-placed Roosters, with the premiers set to relinquish a top-four spot in they can’t continue their winning ways in round 23, especially after dropping points to Newcastle and Cronulla.
International prop Sam Moa said the Roosters were on their guard.
“We seem to be playing the teams that come off the back of some big drama or controversy,” he said.
“The Tigers are always hard to beat at Leichhardt; they have a lot to prove especially after the poor game they had last week against the Cowboys.
“It can be a tricky game, it will be a tough game and one we need to build our performance on in the lead-up to the finals.”
Roosters utility Mitch Aubusson said after being on the wrong end of some hammerings himself, he knew what to expect.
“I know I have been beaten by 50 points in my career here and you are always really hungry to get out there the next week and turn it around,” he said.
“Most times, it has turned out we have put in good performances after those sort of losses so we are expecting a really hungry and hard team to beat there at Leichhardt on Saturday night.
“It is probably one of the toughest challenges you can get through the year.”
tigerdave
Guest
You are so right Oli, as in previous years, cricket scores have become the norm. This team has no pride, no commitment and no heart. "No ONE" I reckopn Canberra and Cronulla have us pencilled in for 2 points and the Bulldogs may even play themselves into some form. We are the whipping boys of the competition right now.
oli
Guest
Roosters are kidding, no one needs to worry about playing against us, our season is over!
Pot Stirrer
Guest
Mate im a Roosters supporter and have had similar thoughts about our side this year. Especially after the Sharks, Knights beat us and the Gold Coast prob should have. Its like they have no respect for thier Fans when they ca run out and put on performances like they have, and then its like the coach is making excuses for them. Although in saying that if they can do a number on your depleted Tigers team and the Panthers and Rabbits lose they could end up in Second place.
tigerdave
Guest
Brace just like the Cowboys did. The Townsville Bulletin were writing similar stuff last week. As a Tiger fan, the Roosters don't have to worry too much about us. They are a divided team with no regard for their fans and playing without pride. They are down on confidence, but that doesn't make you play like kidgergarden kids, attitude does. The players at the Tigers have no respect or pride in their jumper and obvioulsy no self respect or pride at all. It doesn't matter what is transpiring behind the scenes, players should have some integrity and play football, after all that's what the fans are turning up to see. Lets dissect the year, they have beaten good teams well and they can play football, Potter can coach. But on the other hand when they lose, the lose badly. There iis no heart here and it seems just too much trouble to stay in a contest so they just let points in big time. The difference between their good and bad is far too wide. They are a disgrace to themselves and to their club. No problems Roosters, improve your win, loss differential as all teams do against us, but, if you are serious about being premiers, don't get carried away with beating this lethargic and divided lot as a benchmark.